There was a time when so many people were requesting veneers it dominated the industry. The same can also be said of teeth whitening that makes teeth whiter than white. These days, however, dentists are pushing for aesthetic dentistry that focuses on achieving a more natural look for patients. Currently, the top 5 trends in cosmetic industry include:
1. Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening will probably never go out of demand, but this time around most patients are going for natural-looking white teeth, not overly-white results that people have had in the past few years. Aside from looking a bit absurd, super-white teeth are perceived as having been heavily treated, and that could lead to the weakening of enamel. Today patients can ask dentists to whiten just to the point of looking like healthy, natural teeth.
2. Gum Contouring
Making teeth seem longer and shapelier is one of the goals of gum contouring. Also known as gum reshaping, the procedure is perfect for people with a gummier than usual smiles. Even those with two front teeth can benefit from gum contouring. Aside from improving your smile, gum contouring can also help improve the health of your teeth and gums.
3. 3-D Printing
For the longest time, dentists have depended on laboratories to fabricate crowns and bridges, but the advent of 3D printing has changed all that. These days dentists are giving 3D printing more attention given that it can help produce drill guides for dental implants, make clear aligners and physical models for prosthodontics, etc.
A 3D printing machine can also help lower costs for both dentists and patients as it allows for quicker and more accurate model-making.
4. Dental Implants for Younger People
Dental implants have always been associated with seniors, but a growing number of younger people are now requesting the procedure instead of bridges. Aside from the functionality it provides, dental implants also go well with the trend of natural-looking teeth and can last as long as your regular teeth.
5. More Patient Financing
Let’s face it: cosmetic dentistry can get expensive. Although more people are seeing cosmetic dentists recently, it’s preferred to pay for it through a financing plan. While dentists and dental practices cannot control what insurance companies cover, they can offer more flexible payment plans or even in-house loyalty programs, both of which are bound to encourage more people to get a cosmetic dentistry procedure done to enhance their smiles.
In other niches, trends suggest something temporary. In cosmetic dentistry, however, these trends have a more lasting impact and can change not just a smile, but a lifestyle.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Peterson Boyle is a cosmetic dentist with Dental Studio 101 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is focused on providing anxiety-free dental services, including veneers and dental implants. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her friends and family.
